OREANDA-NEWS. Minsk hosted today an official construction launch of Gazprom Center – a Gazprom Group-owned multi-purpose complex.

Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus and Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee took part in the event.

Situated at the corner of Nezavisimosti Avenue and Filimonova Street close to the National Library of Belarus, the new complex will consist of nine contemporary premises of various heights, designed to be integrated naturally into the surrounding metropolitan area and to complement the existing buildings nearby.

A 36-floor building (189 meters high) – the heart of the architectural project – will be occupied by the Gazprom Transgaz Belarus staff and other Gazprom Group-owned companies in Minsk. In addition, four class A office buildings will welcome up to 5.5 thousand workers. A hotel, a congress center, a shopping area, 11 restaurants and cafes as well as spacious underground parking will be incorporated into the modern office area.

Great attention will be paid to public amenities. Thus, a multi-specialist medical center, a state-of-the-art sports center as well as a children’s education and learning center capable to host 200 visitors at the same time – all these facilities will open their doors to city residents.

A park area featuring a unique landscape between the complex and Nezavisimosti Avenue will offer both locals and metropolitan visitors to take advantage of leisure activities. An outdoor amphitheater fenced by fountains will be built, to host concerts and festivals in summer. A public ice skating rink may be available within the recreation area in winter.

An auxiliary power unit will provide electricity to the complex, which will help reducing an extra load on the city’s power grid and, if necessary, will redirect power excess to the metropolitan districts nearby.

Construction is anticipated to finish in 2018.

“The Gazprom Center complex will add some energy and dynamics to the image of the Belarusian capital. It will emerge as a natural and an integrated part of the architectural ensemble of Minsk. It will be the core of the city’s business life, a comfortable place for business. In addition, there will be plenty of opportunities for leisure activities. I am confident that the new complex will be the favorite site for the most of locals and tourists,” said Alexey Miller.

In addition, Alexander Lukashenko and Alexey Miller addressed the future cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and Gazprom Group during today’s working meeting.